Download in Microsoft Word Format

Constitution and By-Laws

Allen Boulevard Baptist Church 2010 02 17

 

 

 

 

PREAMBLE, BY-LAWS……………………………. 6

ARTICLE A MEMBERSHIP………………….….. 6

ARTICLE B PASTORAL STAFF……………….. 10

ARTICLE C OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONS.. 13

Deacon Board………………………………….. 14

Church Clerk……………………………………. 16

Financial Secretary……………………………. 16

Church Moderator……………………………… 17

Church Treasurer……………………………… 17

Nominating Committee…………………………. 18

 

ARTICLE D ELECTIONS………………………... 18

ARTICLE E MEETINGS…………………………. 19

ARTICLE F CHURCH YEAR…………………… 20

ARTICLE G NECESSARY FINANCES………... 20

ARTICLE H GIFTS AND FUNDS………………. 21

ARTICLE I MESSENGERS AND REPRE-SENTATIVES……………………. 21

ARTICLE J AMENDMENTS……………………. 21

 

 

CONSTITUTION

 

PREAMBLE

 

Reposing our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, believing in the teaching and practices of the Baptists and those great distinctive principles for which Baptists have ever stood, namely:

 

1. The Lordship of Jesus Christ

2. The Bible as the only standard of faith and practice

3. Regenerated membership

4. Believer's baptism by immersion

5. Progressive sanctification

6. Congregational government

7. Separation of church and state

8. Autonomy of the local church

9. Individual priesthood of the believer

 

We, therefore, band ourselves together as a body of immersed believers in Jesus Christ and adopt, ordain and establish for our government and plan of worship and service, this Declaration of Faith, Church Agreement, Constitution and By-Laws. We hereby revoke all previous constitutions and by-laws and actions contrary to this constitution and by-laws.

 

DECLARATION OF FAITH

 

We, as New Testament Baptists, believe in the historical Baptist belief that a scriptural church is a democracy of believers meeting in some local place, sovereign and autonomous in deciding matters of church policy and affiliation and composed only of persons who profess to have been born again and have been immersed in water upon their confession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. In common with Baptist of all ages and nations, we believe the following:

 

1. BIBLE: We believe that the Bible, consisting of both the Old and New Testaments, is God’s infallible inerrant Word, written by men who were uniquely moved by the Holy Spirit and that it is our sole authority in all matters of faith and practice. We affirm our belief in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Scriptures in their original writings. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21.

 

2. GOD: We believe in one God, creator of heaven and earth, eternally existing in three persons, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19.

 

a. GOD THE FATHER is perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom and measureless in power. We rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Jude 24, 25.

 

b. GOD THE SON, Jesus Christ, is God's only begotten Son, born of a virgin, sinless in life, who atoned for the sins of the world by His substitutionary death on the cross. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His ascension into heaven, His high priestly intercession for His people, His lordship and His personal visible, premillenial return to the world according to His promise. Colossians 1:13-18, Matthew 1:18-25, Hebrews 4:14-16.

 

c. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. His works in the believer include (but are not limited to) salvation, baptizing into the body of Christ, indwelling, sealing eternally, progressive sanctification, gifting, filling, teaching, enabling and glorifying. John 16:8-13, Ephesians 1:13-14, I Corinthians 12:12-14.

 

3. MAN: We believe that man was created in the image of God and was originally without sin. Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, all men are now sinners both by nature and by choice. Man is unable to remedy his own lost condition. Every human being is capable, under God, of deciding for himself in the matters of faith and life. Each man is also free to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 3:10 and 23, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 14:5 and 22.

 

4. SALVATION: We believe that salvation is God's gift to man in the person of Jesus Christ. Sinful man is saved from the eternal penalty of sin as a result of receiving Jesus Christ, by faith, as the Savior and Lord of life. Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, Romans 6:23.

 

1. THE CHURCH: We believe that the church is the body of Christ which is made up of every born-again believer since Pentecost regardless of race, sex or national origin and will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. The local church is an organized body of immersed believers voluntarily associated together for the worship of God, the fellowship of believers, the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ throughout the world and the observance of the Biblical ordinances (believer's baptism and the Lord's supper). The Scriptural officers of the church are described in I Timothy 3. The local church is independent and autonomous and is free from all outside ecclesiastical or political interference. Acts 4:19, Ephesians 4:4-16. Acts 2:41, I Corinthians 11:23-32, I Timothy 3:1-14.

 

6. SATAN: We believe that Satan is a person, a fallen angel, the author of sin and the cause of the fall. He is the open and declared enemy of God and man. He will be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. Isaiah 14:12-17, Ezekiel 28:11-17.

 

7. ETERNITY: We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the believer and the non-believer. The saved will enjoy the wonders of God's presence forever and the lost will be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. Revelation 20:1-10.

 

CHURCH AGREEMENT

 

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

 

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit,

• To walk together in Christian love;

• To strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort;

• To promote its prosperity and spirituality;

• To sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines;

• To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage

• To maintain family and secret devotions;

• To train our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord;

• To seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances;

• To walk circumspectly in the world;

• To be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our deportment;

• To avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger;

• To abstain from anything which might have the appearance of evil or cause a brother to stumble and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Lord.

We further engage

• To watch over one another in brotherly love;

• To remember each other in prayer;

• To aid each other in sickness and distress;

• To cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech;

• To be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

 

(Adapted from Covenant originally adopted by the Baptists of New Hampshire about 1853)

 

ARTICLE I - NAME

 

As declared in our Articles of Incorporation and in the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the State of Oregon on the 7th day of December, 1961, the name of this church shall be the Allen Boulevard Baptist Church of Beaverton, Oregon.

 

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

 

The purpose of this organization shall be:

 

1. To preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to win people to a personal faith in Him as Savior.

2. To provide for the worship of God.

3. To preach and teach the Word of God.

4. To administer the ordinances of the New Testament.

5. To seek the spiritual improvement of our members.

6. To maintain a Baptist Church to minister to its own community and to extend a ministry of the Gospel unto all the earth.

 

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

 

The membership of this church shall consist of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have been immersed; acknowledged agreement with the faith, practice, and agreement of this church; have expressed a commitment to this church; and have been received into the fellowship by regular action of the church.

 

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

 

The scriptural officers of this church are Pastor and Deacons; the By-Laws define their election, term, and succession. The church shall elect and appoint, as defined in the By-Laws, other officers and committees as deemed advisable.

 

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS

 

Meetings for worship, prayer, praise, fellowship, business and special purposes shall be held as set forth in the By-Laws.

 

ARTICLE VI - RELATIONSHIPS

 

Believing in the sovereignty of the local church as an autonomous body of believers under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, this church by official action shall determine the maintaining of fraternal fellowship and cooperation with churches of like faith and practice or with organized groups or Baptists or inter-church relationships. When our cardinal beliefs will not be compromised, this church may send statistical reports to such groups and may be represented in their meetings. No financial support or cooperation is to be given to a work or workers whose doctrinal position and practice is not in keeping with the Preamble and Declaration of Faith as stated in this Constitution.

 

ARTICLE VII - PROPERTY RIGHTS

 

In the event or dissolution of this corporation property of the church shall be distributed as follows:

 

All property, real or personal, owned by this corporation shall be, and hereby is irrevocably, dedicated to religious purposes and uses and upon liquidation, dissolution or abandonment of the corporation, will not ensue to the benefit of any private person except through a fund foundation or corporation organized and operated for evangelical religious purposes as determined by the Conservative Baptist Association of Oregon.

 

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

 

This constitution may be amended by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the active members present and voting at any business meeting provided such amendments have been submitted in writing to all active members at least one month prior to the meeting.

 

BY-LAWS

 

PREAMBLE

 

These By-Laws are adopted, ordained and established for our government and plan of worship and service. No By-Law shall be effected that is contrary to the Articles of Incorporation or the Constitution of this church.

 

ARTICLE A - MEMBERSHIP

 

Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and who is in agreement with the faith and practice of this church, may apply for membership.

 

 

SECTION 1. CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

A. Active Members

Members in full and regular standing by virtue of their regular attendance and active support of the church shall be considered active members.

 

B. Term Members

1. Any person who is a temporary resident of the area because of school or temporary job assignment but does not wish to sever relationship with their former church, may apply for term membership.

2. Term membership does not include voting privileges or the right to hold any elected office.

3. All candidates for term membership shall meet the same qualifications as regular members and be subject to the same duties, rights and discipline except as herein limited.

4. Application for term membership shall be for a term not to exceed one year. At the end of the term, the Membership Committee shall notify the term member and erase said name from the membership roll unless application for regular membership or another term membership has been received.

5. Term membership may be by statement of faith or by letter of recommendation from a church of like faith and practice.

 

C. Inactive Members

1. Members who become unfaithful in attendance (Hebrews 10:25), unless providentially hindered by sickness or other means beyond their control, shall be interviewed by the Membership Committee concerning this condition.

2. If the member's activity is not restored within three months, his name shall be presented by the Membership Committee to the Deacon Board who, if they feel the facts warrant it, shall place said name on the inactive list.

3. Inactive members shall not be counted in any report of the church nor be permitted to vote in any meeting of the church.

4. Any member on the inactive list may be restored to active membership by showing evidence of rededication and faithfulness.

 

5. An inactive member shall be removed from the membership roll by erasure at the end of one year.

 

D. Nonresident Members

1. Members removed to such a distance as to make attendance impossible shall be listed as nonresident members.

2. While advising all nonresident members to unite with a church of like faith and practice near their new home, the church will continue to indefinitely carry on its membership roll those who find it inadvisable to unite with another church, provided that they continue to keep in contact with this church.

 

SECTION 2. RECEPTION OF MEMBERS

 

A. By Baptism

Baptism by immersion upon public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

B. By Letter

Members in good standing of other Baptist churches may be received by virtue of a letter duly granted by said church.

C. By Christian Experience

Persons who are not members of another Baptist church but have been immersed upon their profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, may be received into membership by virtue or their present profession of faith.

D. By Restoration

Members of the church from whom the hand of fellowship has been withdrawn (erasure or exclusion) may, upon recommendation of the Pastor and the Deacon Board, be restored by the church to active membership after making due confession to the Lord and His church and giving satisfactory evidence of repentance in their life.

 

SECTION 3. REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

 

A. All applications for membership shall be made to the Membership Committee.

B. All candidates for membership shall:

1. Complete the membership class on Biblical church doctrine and practice.

2. Submit a membership application.

3. Be interviewed by the Membership Committee.

C. The Membership Committee shall report the results of the membership interview to the Deacon Board. All qualified candidates for membership shall be presented to the church at any regular or special business meeting of the church.

D. Action of the church for receiving a candidate into the membership of this church may be tabled for one week upon the request of any member. This member shall then meet privately with the Deacon Board and state his reasons. The Deacon Board shall take appropriate action and report the results at the next meeting.

E. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all active members present and voting is required for admittance of a new member or restoration of a former member.

F. The chairman of the Membership Committee shall instruct the Church Clerk to send for the letter of those applying for membership by transfer of letter.

 

 

 

SECTION 4. DUTIES OF MEMBERS

 

A. To keep the Church Agreement set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws and to assist fellow members in doing likewise.

B. To honor and esteem their Pastor, praying for him fervently and daily, and giving loyal support to his ministry. I Thessalonians 5:12-13.

C. To submit to their Pastor in the scriptural exercise of his official authority and to manifest the proper consideration of his reputation. Hebrews 13:17.

D. To regularly attend all services of the church and contribute toward its ministry in proportion to ability. Hebrews 10:24-25, I Corinthians 16:2.

 

SECTION 5. RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

 

A. All active members shall have equal rights, except those under eighteen (18) years of age who shall be ineligible to vote on corporate matters and those under sixteen (16) who shall not be eligible to vote on any matters.

B. Members of this church have no property rights and upon termination or membership, they shall be entitled to no personal interest in the assets.

 

SECTION 6. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

The Deacon Board shall present to the church the names of all members who desire to terminate membership in this church in order to unite with another church of like faith and practice or the names of members from whom the Deacon Board recommend that the privilege of membership be withdrawn. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all active members present and voting is required for termination of membership.

 

A. By Letter

A letter of transfer may be given to a Baptist church of like faith and practice. Letters shall be granted only to members in good standing and must be addressed to a specific church upon written request of said church. The Church Clerk shall note in the records of the church the member’s name, the date of transfer and the church with which the said has united.

B. By Certificate of Christian Standing

A certificate of Christian standing may be granted to a church or some other denomination of like faith and practice. Certificates shall be granted only to members in good standing and must be addressed to a specific church upon written request of said church. The Church Clerk shall note in the records of the church the members name, the date of transfer and the church with which the said has united.

C. By Erasure

1. The name of any member who has been on the inactive list for one year, upon being duly and properly notified, shall be removed from the membership roll by erasure.

2. The names of members whose whereabouts remain unknown for a period of one year shall be removed from the membership roll by erasure.

3. The church shall immediately erase from the membership roll the name of any member who unites with another church without first securing dismissal from this church.

 

 

D. By Exclusion

1. Persons may be removed from the membership roll for conduct unbecoming a Christian or for any conduct that promotes discord or injures the unity and effectiveness of the church.

2. The Church Clerk shall inform the member of the action of the church by certified letter.

3. All voting by the church regarding dismissal by exclusion shall be by written ballot.

E. By Death

Upon death of a member of this church, the Church Clerk shall be instructed to remove the name from the membership roll, noting in the records of the church the date that the Lord called the member home.

 

SECTION 7. DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

 

A. As it is one of the important duties of the church to keep itself pure, it shall be the duty of the Deacon Board to reclaim those members who disregard their membership obligations.

B. When the Deacon Board is satisfied of continued gross misconduct in any case, it shall be its duty to prefer charges against the member.

C. The primary responsibility for discipline in all cases of public offense shall rest with the Deacon Board.

D. All cases of grievances between members shall be dealt with in accordance with the rules laid down by our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17, and no public complaint shall be preferred until this course has been pursued. Disagreements between members of this church should not come before the courts (I Corinthians 6:1-8).

E. When made, charges shall be in writing, signed and submitted to the Deacon Board for such action as is deemed proper.

F. In all cases of discipline, persons accused shall be given opportunity to be heard in defense; no member, if absent, shall be censured or excluded at the same meeting at which charges are preferred.

G. If the member has consented to have the hand of fellowship withdrawn, or if the said has definitely informed the Deacon Board that a formal hearing is not desired or if the member’s whereabouts is unknown, the Deacon Board shall recommend that the name of the member be erased from the membership roll. The church must act immediately upon such recommendation for exclusion.

1. When charges are preferred by the Deacon Board, the hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the spirit and the teachings of the New Testament with all possible consideration to the right of the member as well as to the welfare of the church (see Chapter 7, page 160, “Church Discipline” in the Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches).

I. All actions prior to presentation of charges before the church shall be held in strictest confidence.

J. The member shall be notified of the meeting by certified letter not less than one week prior to the meeting. Indication of the attempt to deliver the letter shall be adequate.

K. In cases where the Deacon Board does not concur that there is just cause for disciplinary action, a special meeting of the church may be called for this purpose upon signature of twenty (20) percent of the active membership of the church (16 and above).

L. All voting by the church regarding discipline of members shall be by written ballot.

 

ARTICLE B - PASTORAL STAFF

 

SECTION 1. PASTOR

 

1. Calling a Pastor

1. Pastoral Selection Committee

1. Upon a vacancy in the office of pastor, the Deacon Board shall prayerfully select a list of nominees that represent the church membership and present them to the church in a regular or special business meeting. The church shall elect from this list of nominees a Pastoral Selection Committee of five members.

2. The Selection Committee shall elect a chairman and a corresponding secretary, the latter shall keep a record of the minutes of the committee and handle all special correspondence.

3. All members of the committee shall be pledged not to reveal any details of the deliberations of this committee until the committee is ready to recommend a candidate to the church.

4. This committee shall thoroughly explore the field for Baptist ministers who have the scriptural qualifications to be a pastor (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9), are available for call, whose doctrinal position is in keeping with the faith and practice of this church and who is in sympathy with the Conservative Baptist movement.

5. The committee shall not disturb any pastor on his field. It shall not make known that a man under consideration until they have had word that he is willing to consider a call.

6. The committee shall thoroughly investigate each prospective candidate as to his spiritual, theological, educational and personal qualifications to fill the office of pastor.

7. The committee shall present to the church the name of only one candidate at a time and only such as they are unanimously agreed as being a desirable minister for the pulpit. The recommendation shall be submitted in writing.

8. The candidate must fill the pulpit for at least one Sunday before a vote to extend a call is taken. (In calling a pastoral associate, this procedure may be altered by approval of the Deacon Board. However, an alternative procedure shall be used to insure that all active members have an opportunity to meet and appraise the candidate before a vote is taken).

9. The Selection Committee shall call a special business meeting to consider the call of the pastor. Notice of such meeting and its purpose shall be read from the pulpit on two successive Sundays.

10. Terms of the call shall be read before the vote is taken and shall define salary, benefits, housing, special considerations and tenure (see Terms Of Call).

11. The vote shall be by written ballot. An affirmative vote of eighty-five (85) percent of all active members present and voting shall be necessary for the election of a pastor.

12. Following the election of a pastor, the Selection Committee shall send a letter in triplicate setting forth the terms of the call, making space available for the signatures of the chairman of the Selection Committee, the chairman of the Deacon Board and the Church Clerk, providing space for signature of the Pastor as he accepts the call. The call is considered completed when the signed letter of acceptance is received from the Pastor.

13. The Selection Committee shall assist the new Pastor as necessary in relocating to this field.

14. When the office of pastor has been filled and relocation is complete, the Selection Committee shall be disbanded.

2. Extending a Call

A call extended to a pastor shall include:

a. TERM - It shall be clearly stated whether the call is for a specific period or for an indefinite tenure.

b. SALARY AND BENEFITS - Amount of salary and benefits, when and how paid and the prospect for increase with the growth and prosperity of the church.

c. HOUSING - Provision for housing, whether provided by the church or, if not, what allowances are to be made. If housing is provided by the church, the maintenance and upkeep will be defined.

d. VACATION - The Pastor shall be entitled to an annual paid vacation of two weeks (not to exceed three Sundays absence from the pulpit) during the first three (3) years in the pastorate. After the third year, vacation shall be three weeks (not to exceed four Sundays absence from the pulpit). Vacation times will be arranged in advance with the Deacon Board.

e. SICK LEAVE - Two weeks sick leave per year shall be provided. The church shall provide pulpit supply if this includes a Sunday.

f. MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES - Leave for, and expenses of, any associational meetings or conferences in connection with the pastorate shall be determined by the Deacon Board. When officially representing the church, necessary travel expenses and pulpit supply shall be provided by the church.

g. OTHER LEAVES - Other leaves, whether paid or unpaid, shall be arranged in advance with the Deacon Board.

h. PULPIT SUPPLY - Pulpit supply during all absences of the Pastor shall be provided and paid by the church,

i. HEALTH INSURANCE - Health insurance for the Pastor and his family shall be provided by the church.

j. RETIREMENT - A retirement plan shall be provided by the church.

k. OFFICE STAFF AND SUPPLIES - Provision will be made for secretarial staff and office supplies.

l. SUPPORT - The Pastor shall be given assurance of the loyal support of the church congregation.

m. OTHER - Other benefits may be part of the call if approved by the church congregation.

B. Duties of the Pastor

1. The Pastor is recognized as the under-shepherd of Christ's local church and shall:

a. Preach the Word of God, emphasizing all the fundamentals found therein.

b. Administer the ordinances Or the New Testament.

c. Shepherd the church and lead it in the fulfillment of its sacred table.

d. To visit the sick, to exercise Christian care and watchfulness over members of the church and faithfully admonish and entreat them as occasion may require.

2. The Pastor shall be ex-officio member, without vote and advisor to all boards and commissions of the church and its auxiliary organizations.

3. The Pastor shall not marry a believer to an unbeliever (II Corinthians 6:14) nor shall he marry two unbelievers. He shall officiate in a wedding wherein a divorced person is involved only after counsel with the Deacon Board.

4. The Pastor shall attend all Deacon Board meetings and shall confer with this board on all matters regarding church programs or policies except in such cases where sharing of information might destroy a confidence.

5. The Pastor shall maintain a Godly deportment at all times, such that no reproach may come upon the body of Christ through him.

6. The Pastor and his wife shall automatically become members of this church upon the acceptance of the call and their arrival on the field.

7. In matters pertaining to the Pastor, the Pastor and his family shall not' exercise the privilege of voting.

C. Termination of Pastorate

1. The office of pastor may be vacated upon thirty days written notice on the part of the Pastor or the church. The thirty days may be waived by mutual consent of the Pastor and the church.

2. The church may vacate the office of pastor at a called business meeting, notice of such meeting and its purpose having been read from the pulpit on two successive Sundays or by written notice sent to the membership not less than two weeks prior to the date providing such matter has been considered by the Deacon Board.

3. If the Deacon Board is not convinced that there is just cause for termination of the pastorate but the church congregation is convinced that such cause exists, a special meeting of the church may be called for this purpose upon signature of 20% of the active members of the church (16 and above).

4. An affirmative vote of a majority of all active members present and voting shall be required to vacate the office of Pastor. Vote shall be by written ballot. In case of majority vote to dismiss the Pastor, he shall receive one month’s severance pay except in cases of gross misconduct.

 

SECTION 2. PASTORAL ASSOCIATES

 

A. Pastoral associates deemed necessary by the Pastor and Deacon Board shall be recommended to the church congregation by the Deacon Board.

B. The terms of call and termination of pastorate for pastoral associates shall be the same as for pastor (see Article B, Section 1).

C. Pastoral associates shall report to the Pastor and the Deacon Board.

D. Duties of pastoral associates shall be determined by the Pastor and the Deacon Board at the time of call. They may be changed at any time by agreement of the pastoral associate and Deacon Board and upon majority vote of all active members present and voting at any business meeting of the church.

 

SECTION 3. INTERIM PASTOR

 

A. In the event that the office of pastor is vacant, the Deacon Board may recommend to the church the name of an individual qualified to fill the office on an interim basis.

B. A n affirmative vote of a majority of the active members present and voting shall be required to confirm the selection of an interim pastor.

C. Salary and duties of the interim pastor shall be determined by the Deacon Board.

D. The interim pastor shall not be considered as a candidate for the office of pastor.

 

 

 

SECTION 4. STUDENT PASTOR

 

A. A church member who is in training for the ministry may be called by the church to fill the position of student pastor.

B. The student Pastor shall report to the Pastor and the Deacon Board.

C. The student pastor may sit as a guest on all meetings of the Deacon Board, commissions and committees.

1. Other duties or privileges shall be assigned by the Pastor and the Deacon Board.

E. There shall not be more than one student pastor at any one time for each full time pastoral staff member.

F. The term shall be for not more than one year and may be renewed upon agreement of the Pastor and the Deacon Board and with an affirmative vote of the church.

G. The Deacon Board shall recommend the name of qualified student pastor candidates to the church at any regular or special business meeting. An affirmative vote of a majority of all active members present and voting shall be required for confirmation.

H. Salary, if any, in connection with this position shall be set by the Deacon Board at the time of the call and shall be approved by the church.

 

SECTION 5. LICENSING

 

A. The church may issue a license to preach to any member who, in the judgment of the church, gives evidence by his Christian life, zeal and aptness to teach, that he is called of God to the work of the ministry.

B. The candidate shall preach in a regular service of the church before being recommended for licensing.

C. The license shall be for a specific term.

1. An affirmative vote of a majority of all active members present and voting at any business meeting shall be required for licensing.

 

SECTION 6. ORDINATION

 

A. The church, by an affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of all active members present and voting at any business meeting, may confirm that a licensed preacher possesses the scriptural qualifications and training for full ordination.

B. Upon an affirmative vote, the church shall call a council of ministers and lay members to examine the qualifications of this candidate. The propriety of ordaining shall be referred to this council.

C. After receiving a favorable report from this council, the church shall determine the time and place for the ordination service.

 

ARTICLE C - OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONS

 

SECTION 1 - LISTING OF OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONS

 

A. Officers of this church shall be pastor, deacons, church clerk, financial secretary, church moderator and church treasurer.

B. As deemed necessary, the following officers may be added: pastoral associates, assistant church clerk, assistant financial secretary and assistant church treasurer.

C. Supporting committees may be appointed by the Deacon Board as deemed necessary. All members of supporting committees shall be active members, in good standing of this church.

 

SECTION 2 - RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS AND COMMISSION MEMBERS

 

A. Resignation of officers and commission members shall be in writing to the Deacon Board

 

SECTION 3 - REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND COMMISSION MEMBERS

 

A. The church has the power, for good and sufficient cause, to remove any officer or commission member from office. No person shall be removed from office until positive effort has been made to assist that person in correcting the cause for proposed removal. (See Article B, Section 1, Item c for pastor or pastoral associates).

B. All charges against an officer or commission member must be first submitted to the Deacon Board in the form of a signed, written statement.

C. The Deacon Board shall determine if there is just and sufficient cause for removal, and bring recommendations before the church congregation.

D. If the Deacon Board does not concur that there is just cause for removal, a special meeting of the church may be called for this purpose upon signature of twenty (20) per cent of the active membership of the church (16 and above).

E. An affirmative vote of a majority of all active members present and voting shall be necessary for removal of any officer or commission member from office.

 

SECTION 4 - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

 

A. Pastor and Associates

Qualifications, relationships, term of office, and duties of the Pastor and associates are as given in Article B.

B. Deacon Board

1. QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates for the Deacon Board shall meet the scriptural qualifications given in Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8-13. They shall be men of exemplary Christian character. They shall exhibit characteristics of consecration, dependability, initiative and leadership.

2. MEMBERSHIP

The Deacon Board shall consist, if possible, of not less than six (6) members. Additional members may be added by regular election as deemed necessary to properly look after the matters of the church.

3. TERM OF OFFICE

Three (3) years. The expiration of the term for members shall be staggered so that each year approximately one-third (1/3) of the members shall retire and a like number shall be elected. A member of the Deacon Board cannot succeed himself on the board for at least one year unless qualified persons are not available to serve.

4. RELATIONSHIPS

The Deacon Board reports to the church congregation.

5. DUTIES - The Deacon Board shall:

a. Function as the board of directors of this corporation.

b. Have custody of the church seal on which is inscribed the words ‘'Allen Boulevard Baptist Church".

c. Hold regular monthly meetings. Two-thirds (2/3) of the board is necessary for a quorum to do business. Special meetings of the board may be called at any time by the Pastor, or upon request of a majority of the board members. Any member of the board who misses more than two monthly meetings during the year without satisfactory reason may be dropped from the board and his position declared vacant upon majority vote of the board.

d. Share with the Pastor the responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the church.

e. Assist the Pastor in his duties as under-shepherd of this local church by visiting the sick, those in need of spiritual counsel or those who are irregular in their attendance.

f. Assist the Pastor in administering the ordinances of the Lord's Supper and Baptism.

g. Work with the Pastor in planning and conducting the worship services of the church.

h. Upon a vacancy in the office of pastor or associate, nominate a pulpit committee and present the ballot to the church according to Article B, Section 1, Item a.

i. Distribute, at their discretion, the Deacon's Benevolent Fund to aid those in distress.

j. Administer the Scholarship Fund of the church in accordance with the rules of that fund.

k. With prayerfulness and in all humility, be responsible for discipline of members in accordance with Article A, Section 7.

l. One board member shall serve as an active member without vote on each commission as appointed by the Chairman of the Board. This member shall meet regularly with the commission and shall serve as a liaison between the board and the commission.

m. Consider all matters of business before presentation to the church congregation. This does not include items presented from the floor or matters brought to the church by referendum of 20% of the membership .

n. Approve the appointment of all non-pastoral salaried personnel of the church.

o. Administer the salary and benefits for all salaried personnel except as defined elsewhere in these By-Laws. All changes in salary or benefits shall be referred to the church congregation for approval.

p. Prepare an annual budget and present it to the Board within fourth quarter of the year to cover the areas of salaries and benefits for salaried personnel, special speakers, office supplies, conference expenses and other items deemed essential to the worship and administration of this church.

q. Supervise the spiritual and moral use of the church property.

r. Treat all items brought before the board confidentially, not revealing any deliberations of the board to any individual until such information is to be made public knowledge.

s. Strive to faithfully uphold this Constitution and By-Laws and to guide the church in its implementation.

t. Appoint, and oversee their functions, a membership committee, media committee, head usher and church historian. All persons appointed shall be active members of this church.

 

C. CHURCH CLERK

1. QUALIFICATIONS - The Church Clerk shall be able to, accurately and concisely, keep minutes of meetings and to conduct official correspondence of the church.

2. RELATIONSHIPS – The Church Clerk reports to the church congregation and to the Deacon Board.

3. TERM OF OFFICE - One year. The term may be renewed.

4. DUTIES - The Church Clerk shall:

a. Keep accurate minutes of all regular and special business meetings of the church.

b. Give copies of the minutes to the Pastor and the chairman Of the Deacon Board as soon as practical after each meeting.

c. Record the reception and dismissal of church members as well as the method of reception or dismissal.

d. Keep a complete roll of members of the church and their addresses. This list shall be reviewed with the Membership Committee as required.

e. Issue letters of dismissal or certificates of Christian standing as authorized by the church.

f. Preserve and properly file all letters, reports and other documents pertaining to this office. This information and all records shall be turned over to the successor upon completion of the term of office.

g. As deemed necessary, an Assistant Church Clerk may be appointed by the Deacon Board to perform these duties in the absence of the Church Clerk.

 

D. FINANCIAL SECRETARY

1. QUALIFICATIONS

The Financial Secretary shall be familiar with bookkeeping and accounting methods and be able to properly handle confidential information.

2. RELATIONSHIPS

The Financial Secretary reports to the church congregation and to the Deacon Board.

3. TERM OF OFFICE - One year. The term may be renewed.

4 DUTIES - The Financial Secretary shall:

a. Keep an accurate account of giving for each contributor, showing contributions for each fund. This information shall be kept in the strictest confidence.

b. Provide a yearly written report to each contributor showing contributions for the year.

c. Make offering envelopes available to each contributor upon request.

d. Keep records in books provided by the church for that purpose and which shall remain the property of the church. These books shall be turned over to the successor upon completion of the term of office. Financial records shall be kept for 10 years.

e. Receive, count and deposit all funds received by the church.

f. Keep an itemized record of amounts received for each respective fund and report this amount to the Church Treasurer.

g. Provide monthly reports of all giving to the Deacon Board.

h. Present the financial records for auditing before the annual meeting.

i. As deemed necessary, an Assistant Financial Secretary may be appointed by the Deacon Board to perform these duties in the absence of the Financial Secretary.

 

E. CHURCH MODERATOR

1. QUALIFICATIONS

The Church Moderator shall be familiar with parliamentary procedure and be able to conduct church business meetings in an orderly manner.

2. RELATIONSHIPS

The Church Moderator reports to the church congregation and to the Deacon Board.

3. TERM OF OFFICE

One year. The term may be renewed.

4. DUTIES - The Church Moderator shall:

a. Preside over all regular and special business meetings of the church.

b. Conduct church business meetings in an orderly manner according to the rules of parliamentary procedure and as outlined in these By-Laws (Article E, Section 2).

c. Fairly and without preference to any single member, allow members to exercise their rights and privileges on matters of church business.

d. Appoint ushers to assist in the business meeting and tellers to count ballots.

 

F. CHURCH TREASURER

1. QUALIFICATIONS

The Church Treasurer shall be familiar with bookkeeping and accounting methods and shall be prompt and timely with all payments.

2. RELATIONSHIPS

The Church Treasurer reports to the church congregation and to the Deacon Board.

3. TERM OF OFFICE

One year. The term may be renewed.

4. DUTIES - The Church Treasurer shall:

a. Make all payments by check.

b. Promptly pay all salaries.

c. Promptly pay all bills which have been approved by the various commission chairmen and which fall within the present budget or which have been approved by the Deacon Board.

d. Keep financial records in books provided by the church for that purpose and which shall remain the property of the church. These books and all related information shall be turned over to the successor upon completion of the term of office. Financial records shall be kept for 10 years.

e. Present monthly financial reports to the Deacon Board.

f. Present quarterly and annual financial reports to the church congregation showing itemized receipts and disbursements. More frequent reports to the church may be requested by the Deacon Board.

g. Present the treasurer's books for auditing before the annual meeting.

h. As deemed necessary, an Assistant Treasurer may be appointed by the Deacon Board to perform these duties in the absence of the Church Treasurer.

 

G. NOMINATING COMMITTEE

1. MEMBERSHIP

The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) members. One of these shall be a current member of the Deacon Board. The Pastor should be a member of this commission by right of office.

2. TERM OF OFFICE

One (1) year. Members may not succeed themselves.

3. DUTIES - The Nominating Committee shall:

a. Conduct all actions of the Nominating Commission in agreement with Article C, Section 4.

b. All nominees to offices or commissions shall be active members of this church in good standing who are in agreement with the Declaration of Faith as given in this Constitution and with the faith and practice of this local church body.

c. Meet at least three (3) months prior to the annual meeting to prayerfully consider the positions being vacated at the end of the year and the requirements for these positions.

d. With the Lord's guidance, prepare a list of names from the active membership of the church whom they feel have the spiritual qualifications to fill the various offices, boards and commissions. As much as is possible, members shall be nominated for, or shall hold, only one elected position at any one time.

e. Contact potential candidates for their consent to have their names entered into nomination.

f. Apprise all potential candidates of the duties of the position.

g. Post a sample ballot on the church bulletin board or place it in the church bulletin at least two weeks prior to any election of officers or commission members.

h. Meet as necessary, or as called by the Deacon Board, to consider candidates to fill vacancies during the year.

i. During the year nominees to fill vacancies on the Nominating Commission shall be made to the church by the Deacon Board.

 

ARTICLE D - ELECTIONS

 

SECTION 1. TIME

 

The annual election of officers and commissions shall be determined by the Church Board and Moderator.

 

SECTION 2. QUORUM

 

A. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of not less than fifty (50) percent of the regular, active membership of the church.

B. On matters pertaining to the appropriation of money, transfer or mortgage of property, call or dismissal of a pastor, or amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws, a quorum shall consist of not less than fifty (50) percent of the active membership of this church.

 

SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS

 

A. All matters pertaining to the purchase, sale, or mortgage of property; budget and all elections shall be voted upon only by active members of the church of legal voting age.

B. The Pastor or his family shall not exercise the privilege of voting on all matters pertaining to the office of pastor.

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 4. ABSENTEE BALLOTS

 

A. Absentee ballots shall be accepted for all business meetings of the church providing the member casting the absentee ballot is a qualified voter and is, to their own satisfaction, fully apprised of the issues involved.

B. Absentee ballots shall be placed in a sealed envelope on the outside of which the signature of the voting member appears and given to the Church Moderator prior to the election.

C. The Church Moderator shall give the absentee ballots to the tellers appointed to count the ballots. The envelopes shall be opened in the presence of at least two (2) tellers.

D. The names of the members casting absentee ballots shall be added to the attendance list of the meeting.

 

SECTION 5. METHOD OF VOTE

 

A. A written ballot shall be required for all voting regarding dismissal of members by exclusion, discipline of members and election or dismissal of pastor.

B. For written ballots, the Church Moderator shall appoint two (2) tellers to count the vote. The count shall be made in front of the church congregation and the ballots shall be turned over to the Church Clerk after the vote is announced and voting is complete.

C. All other voting shall be by voice vote. A division may be requested by any member. Upon such request, the Church Moderator shall appoint tellers to assist with the counting and the vote shall be taken by show of hands or by having members stand to indicate their vote.

D. When members abstain from voting, they shall not be counted in the total of members voting or in the votes cast.

 

ARTICLE E - MEETINGS

 

SECTION 1. DEVOTIONAL MEETINGS

 

A. The church congregation shall meet regularly each Lord's day morning and evening for study, worship and the preaching of the Gospel.

B. The church congregation shall meet at least once each week, other than the Lord's day, for prayer, testimony and Bible study.

C. The church congregation shall observe the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of each month or at such ties as scheduled by the Pastor and the Deacon Board. The Deacon's Benevolent offering shall be received at this time for the aid of those in distress.

D. Special meetings for evangelism, Bible study, missionary emphasis, etc., may be scheduled by the Pastor and the Deacon Board.

E. All speakers or groups invited as guests of this church shall be in agreement with the Declaration of Faith of this church.

 

SECTION 2. BUSINESS MEETINGS

 

A. The annual business meeting and Quarterly business meetings shall be determined by Church Board and Moderator.

B. Special business meetings may be called at any time by the Pastor, Church Moderator, Deacon Board or upon written request of twenty (20) percent of the active members of this church. Notice of the special business meeting and the purpose for which it is called shall be announced from the pulpit at least one meeting day or once prior to the set time of the meeting.

D. The Church Moderator shall preside over all meetings of the church.

E. All items of business shall be presented in the form of a motion or resolution.

F. Any item of business may be referred to the Deacon Board or to a special committee for review or to obtain more information before further discussion by the church congregation. The motion to refer shall set the time and date of a special business meeting when the report shall be brought for continuation of discussion by the church congregation.

G. All business of the church shall be conducted as becomes the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 14:40). Regular parliamentary procedure shall be followed until it is evident that neither the Holy Spirit is directing the meeting, nor Christian graces are being manifest. At such time that any member becomes cognizant of this loss, he shall call the group to this remembrance and, regardless of what is before the house, the floor shall be cleared and a new effort made to be led by God in an orderly manner concerning the business at hand.

H. Robert's Rules of Order, The Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches and the CBA Directorv and Handbook shall govern the business procedures of this church in all areas not detailed in these By-Laws.

 

ARTICLE F - CHURCH YEAR

 

The fiscal year of the church shall begin on the first day of January and close on the last day of December.

 

ARTICLE G - NECESSARY FINANCES

 

SECTION 1. SOURCE

 

Finances for conducting the church and its programs shall be solely from gifts and offerings of members and friends. No entertainment, suppers, bazaars or other money-raising projects shall be held for any purpose of financing church programs or projects.

 

SECTION 2. AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS

 

Specific money-raising projects or fund solicitations for auxiliary organizations may be permitted with the approval of the Deacon Board.

 

 

SECTION 3. SOLICITATIONS

 

No individual or organization shall solicit funds or promote sale of products among the membership of this church without the prior approval of the Deacon Board.

 

 

 

ARTICLE H - GIFTS AND FUNDS

 

SECTION 1. GIFTS

 

A. Any gifts of money or goods given to the church or to any of its auxiliary organizations shall become the property of the church and shall be administered by the Deacon Board.

B. Gifts for a designated purpose must be used for that purpose. Any gifts given for a purpose or under conditions not acceptable to the Deacon Board shall be returned to the donor.

 

SECTION 2. FUNDS

 

A. Funds for special projects or purposes shall be handled in the same manner as gifts.

B. Before a new fund is established, the Deacon Board shall determine the advisability of said fund. If the fund is deemed to be inadvisable, the money shall be returned to the donor.

 

ARTICLE I – MESSENGERS AND REPRESENTATIVES

 

SECTION 1. ELECTION

 

The church congregation shall, upon recommendation of the Deacon Board, elect such messengers and representatives as it is entitled to send to local, state or national denominational or associational meetings.

 

SECTION 2. REPRESENTATION

 

Such representatives shall duly represent the policy and attitude of this church.

 

ARTICLE J - AMENDMENTS

 

SECTION 1. NOTIFICATION

 

Notice of a meeting to vote on amendments to these By-Laws shall be given from the pulpit at least two meeting times prior to the vote.

 

SECTION 2. VOTE REQUIRED

 

A two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of all active members present and voting shall be required to amend these By-Laws.

 

Download in Microsoft Word Format

11520 SW Allen Blvd,
Beaverton, OR 97005

Phone: (503) 766-2230
E-mail:info@rbcbeaverton.org
Site login: Logon

© RBCB, 2008, All Rights Reserved
Design by Canda.